Which step involves determining the effectiveness of the strike in the CAS execution template?

The correct choice centers on the critical process of evaluating how effective a strike was in the context of Close Air Support (CAS). This step, known as "Assess Effectiveness," is vital as it allows the Fire Support Team to determine whether the intended impact has been achieved, including the potential to neutralize or destroy designated targets.

During this assessment, various metrics are analyzed, such as the observed effects on the target and whether the support met the pre-established objectives. Understanding effectiveness is essential for making informed decisions for future engagements, refining tactics, and ensuring overall mission success. This evaluation often leads to adjustments in tactics or additional missions as necessary.

The other options relate to different stages or components of the CAS process. For example, "Attack" refers to the execution of the strike itself rather than the assessment afterward. "BDA," or Battle Damage Assessment, is a related but more specific process that usually encompasses the final evaluations of damage caused by the strike and includes assessments beyond just effectiveness. "Readbacks" involve confirmation of messages to ensure that information is communicated clearly and understood, which is important but distinct from the effectiveness assessment process.